Ameobi Admits Praying for Eagles Chance!

Shola Ameobi (L) tussling with a Venezuela player during the international friendly between Nigeria and Venezuela

Newcastle of England striker, Foluwashola Ameobi has revealed his desperation to wear the green and white colours of Nigeria and a sigh of relief that his prayers have finally been answered.

Ameobi told his club's official website he was eagerly looking forward to get the call-up to play for Nigeria which eventually came in a 3-1 friendly win against Venezuela in Miami.

It has been a long time coming for the Zaria-born Geordie, who played for England at under-21 level earlier in his career, but it was worth the wait as he set up the final goal.

"I was very, very, very proud," he admitted. "It's obviously something I've been working towards for a while now - it seems like an age - but I was delighted to get the call-up and to finally represent the country I was born in.

"It's the country my mother and father are from and it's just fantastic. As a player, you want to play at the very highest level and I don't take it for granted. For me to be able to do that at this stage of my career is a very proud moment for me.

"It's the pinnacle to play for your country and it's something I've been working hard towards and enjoyed it tremendously."

And even more than 4,000 miles away, Ameobi was supported at the Marlins Park Baseball Stadium by a handful of Newcastle supporters who made themselves heard.

"It was incredible," their hero beamed. "It just seems that everywhere you turn, there's Newcastle fans singing and shouting. I could hear them in the stadium and after the game, and it's just great to have that sort of support. It's just testament to the fans that we have at this Club.

"Wherever you go all over the world, you seem to get them so it was a great added bonus for me."

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